A patient with proper preparation for facelift cosmetic surgery can stay more relaxed and healthy before, during and after the procedure. Preparation starts from the pre-operative consultation, which is an important part of the process.
Fellowship trained facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and board certified otolaryngologist Dr. Eric Yavrouian provides facelift surgery to patients in Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles CA, and surrounding locations.
Pre-op Instructions
If the patient is a smoker, they will be required to stop smoking at least two to three weeks prior to the facelift cosmetic surgery. Smoking inhibits the free flow of oxygen in the body, which could increase the risk of surgical complications as well as delay the recovery. The surgeon will also instruct the patient to stop taking certain drugs and nutritional supplements such as aspirin, blood thinners, vitamin E and herbal meds, which can also interfere with the surgery and recovery process.
Health Assessment
The surgeon will ask questions and perform a general examination of the patient’s face, neck, and other areas. To determine the patient’s suitability for facelift, the surgeon will evaluate their general health condition, medical history, previous surgeries in the face or neck area, skin type, allergies, and the patient’s personal aesthetic goals for facelift surgery.
The patient should be frank and forthcoming during this exercise, and inform accurately about their health history and habits such as smoking, alcohol, or drugs. Certain underlying health conditions can increase the risk during facelift surgery. Therefore, it is critical that the surgeon should be aware of any pre-existing conditions or concerns.
Surgical Planning
Once the surgeon has determined the candidacy of the patient for facelift, they will work closely with the patient to create a customized surgical plan. The plan will include:
- The type of facelift technique
- The type of anesthesia to be applied
- The location, size and number of incisions
- How the incisions will be closed
- Where the surgery will be performed
- What will be the estimated duration of surgery
- Whether it will be performed on an outpatient basis
- Whether any other procedures will be combined with it
- The estimated recovery period
The cost estimate for the facelift procedure can also be prepared at this stage when the customized surgical plan is ready. The surgeon or the administrative team may guide the patients with regard to insurance and financing aspects related to facelift. Dr. Yavrouian is a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon providing facelift to patients in Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles CA, and nearby areas.
Practical Preparation
Once the patient is aware of the estimated downtime involved following a facelift, they may apply for leave from work well in time. They should also make prior arrangements for transportation and after-care.
It may be an astute and golden idea to make a “recovery kit” which will allow them to have the basic items and medications ready at hand during the immediate post-operative phase. For the recovery period, the patient should keep themselves free from any pressing tasks at home or workplace that may involve extra physical strain.
For more information about treatments and procedures by Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr. Eric J. Yavrouian, serving patients in and around Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank and the Greater Los Angeles, CA area call 818-241-2150 or click here to contact him for a consultation.
